The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) offers a new online
resource to help health professionals and others find current information about state mandates
on vaccine-preventable diseases.

Go to: http://www.immunize.org/laws
to get the latest information compiled by IAC on state mandates for hepatitis
B and varicella prevention. This web page also links to information on state mandates for DTP, MMR, polio, and Hib
vaccination, reprinted from "State Immunization Requirements 1998-1999" by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information will
be updated when CDC revises its publication.

Some of the changes that have taken place since we highlighted these mandates in NEEDLE TIPS in August 2000
include new state mandates for varicella immunization in Alabama and Alaska. This brings the total number of
states with varicella vaccination requirements to 25. Other states such as
Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are considering adding varicella vaccination
requirements. Alaska, Arkansas, and New Jersey have new state mandates for
hepatitis B prevention. This leaves only seven states without childhood hepatitis B immunization requirements.

We depend on our readers to help us stay informed and to ensure this is the
most accurate and current information available. Please let us know when any
changes occur in your state.

State laws and regulations for hepatitis A immunization will be posted on IAC's
website in the future, and we will continue to highlight new immunization laws
and mandates in upcoming issues of IAC EXPRESS.